Dogs rely on a nutritional balance of food to keep them fit and healthy. We are all guilty of giving our pet a treat or two, but feeding your dog the wrong foods or over feeding can significantly damage their health and life expectancy.
Many of us allow our dogs to eat leftover food or even give it to them as a treat or reward. This can sometimes result in your dog getting a want for human food, and may cause them to be crafty and either beg or steal from time to time.
Whilst many human foods are perfectly safe for dogs, there are several foods which can be toxic to them and can make them extremely poorly.
Here’s our list of foods that are okay (in moderation) for dogs and others that are seen as toxic/poisonous or a danger to our four-legged friends:
Do feed them:
- Meat – chicken, turkey, lean beef, pork
- Fish – particularly oily fish such as sardines and salmon
- Cheese – in small quantities avoiding blue cheeses, spicy cheese, or those with herbs. Too much cheese can result in poorly tummies!
- Eggs – so long as they are cooked
- Yoghurt – in moderation
Fruits and vegetables:
As much as we think we may be doing the right thing by giving our dogs fruit and vegetables, they can be high in sugar and should be given in small quantities. These include:
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Apples
- Sweet Potato
Don’t feed them:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Chives
- Leeks
- Mushrooms
- Chocolate
- Macadamia Nuts
- Avocado
- Sweetcorn
- Bacon
- Cinnamon
- Xylitol/Artificial Sweetener
- Cooked Bones
- Apple Pips
- Peaches
- Nutmeg/Spices
- Salt
- Coconut/Oil
- Raisins
- Citrus Fruit
- Grapes
- Dairy Products
Human drinks can also make dogs particularly poorly, so try your best to keep mugs and glasses away from your pooch that contain:
- Alcohol
- Fizzy drinks
- Coffee
- Tea
- Any high caffeine-based beverages
Remember, all dogs are different. If you are ever unsure on what foods to give your dog, contact your local vet or visit a reputable pet store for advice.
